The fingers infused with internal energy slowly threaded through Gou Liangâs hair, and once his hair was dry, he was gently moved from the manâs embrace to the bed. Finally, he was able to sink into the soft pillow without being disturbed from his sleep, falling into a deep slumber.
The Emperor sat by the bedside, not in a hurry to dress for court, leaning down and watching the rosy-faced Gou Liang with rapt attention, his fingers lingering on his sleeping visage.
Eunuch Tong brought the diligent Physician Zheng into the main hall, saluted, and softly said, âYour Majesty, the physician has arrived.â
The Emperor acknowledged this, carefully drawing Gou Liangâs left hand out from the blanket to reveal his wrist.
Kneeling by the dragon bed, Physician Zhengâs sharp eyes noticed the bright yellow silk slipping from that pale wrist, and he was startled, quickly lowering his head further.
He dutifully checked Gou Liangâs pulse, but his expression soon changed, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
After confirming several times, without Gou Liangâs deliberate guidance, Physician Zheng clearly identified the pulse indicative of a Ger after satisfying their surge of desireâsomething even the residual poison of drunkenness could not achieve!
âYour Majesty, Master Chuâs pulseâŚâ
Meeting the Emperorâs gaze, an astonishing truth dawned on Physician Zheng in a flash.
The Emperor said, âThis matter is for you to know alone.â
While the Emperor did not elaborate on the consequences of leaking this information, Physician Zheng astutely sensed that it involved not just his own life, but the lives of his entire clan.
Physician Zheng, trembling, repeatedly expressed his obedience.
The Emperor, looking at Gou Liangâs sweet sleeping face, smiled slightly and softly asked, âLast night, I was rather reckless. Is he injured in that place? Will it cause any harm?â
Physician Zheng, hearing the Emperorâs calm yet subtly boastful tone, thought that it was the Emperorâs first intimate encounter at twenty-seven. As a fellow man, he could understand and asked seriously, âWas there any bleeding?â
âNo.â
âThen it wonât be a problem. I will prepare a prescription to reduce swelling and nourishâŚâ
At that moment, the sound of the water clock echoed again, and Eunuch Tong, kneeling at the lower end, bravely reminded, âYour Majesty, it is now the first quarter of the Mao hour.â
The Emperor had not yet dressed or worn his crown for the morning court session. If he delayed any longer, he might miss the scheduled time. The deep affection in the Emperorâs eyes paused for a moment. He then kissed Gou Liangâs forehead, rose, and instructed, âMake sure the prescription is detailed and submit it.â After a pause, the Emperor added, âThe more thorough, the better.â
He then instructed Eunuch Tong to ensure no one disturbed them and left the leader of the night owl to watch.
At the correct time of the Mao hour, the morning court session began.
When the energetic ministers rose after saluting, ready to debate fervently, they heard Eunuch Tongâs elongated announcement, âThose who have matters to report, present them; those who do not, may retireââ
The senior ministers: ââŚâ
Since the previous Emperor passed, they hadnât heard this phrase in over a decade.
Tensing up and staying cautious, they decided to write memorials for any non-urgent matters and keep them brief. Only a few less experienced or overly upright ministers mentioned a few non-urgent matters. As expected, the Emperor told them to draft detailed reports for further discussion and ended the session at an unprecedented speed in history.
Physician Zheng was still in the middle hall, writing instructions on caring for a Ger, and was startled by the Emperorâs swift return.
The Emperor didnât make things difficult for him, grabbing the already prepared imperial rose balm to return to the inner hall, but Physician Zheng boldly spoke up to stop him.
âWhat is it?â
The Emperorâs heart tightened slightly, seeing Physician Zhengâs troubled expression.
Physician Zheng glanced around, and Eunuch Tong quickly led the attendants out of the middle hall.
Physician Zheng knelt and said, âOn that day, not knowing Master Chuâs true identity, I did not inform Your Majesty. Red Dust Drunkenness, though harmless to men, is a deadly poison to a Ger.â
The Emperorâs expression changed dramatically, and Physician Zheng hurriedly continued, âMaster Chuâs medical expertise is not inferior to mine. He must have used a life-saving method at the time to endure until he took the antidote. Because of this, I mistakenly believed that his previous symptoms were due to overmedication. I failed to diagnose properly. Please, Your Majesty, punish me!â
At this moment, the Emperor had no time to punish him. He asked in a grave voice, âHow is his health now? Is there still harm from the poison?â
Physician Zheng said, âYour Majesty, rest assured, I have carefully examined Master Chu. The residual poison of Red Dust Drunkenness has been cleared, and his life and health are not in jeopardy. HoweverâŚâ
âSpeak!â
âHowever, Red Dust Drunkenness is a deadly poison for Ger. The damage it caused when Master Chu was poisoned is severe, making pregnancy⌠difficult.â
He tried to put it as gently as possible.
The Emperor was taken aback, his fingers tightening slightly, and he softly said, âBut his flower mark has not withered, and its color is more vibrant than that of ordinary people.â
Physician Zheng responded, âYour Majesty, I do not mean that Master Chu cannot conceive a dragon heir, but given his current physical condition, maintaining a pregnancy would be extremely difficult. Though there are secret methods in the palace to help, they areââ
âSilence!â
The Emperorâs voice was stern.
Who would dare use those methods that sacrifice the Ger for the child on Xiao Kengâer? The Emperor would exterminate their entire family!
Physician Zheng trembled, âI misspoke!â
Seeing that the Emperor was angry but did not blame him, Physician Zheng breathed a slight sigh of relief and continued, âIf carefully nourished for several years, Master Chu might still be able to bear fruit. However, I cannot guarantee this, and I dare not speak without certainty. Master Chuâs medical skills are very advanced, so he probably understands his body better than I do. But from what I have observed, Master Chu seems⌠not to have told Your Majesty.â
Although he didnât elaborate, the Emperor understood.
Gou Liangâs body still had the ability to conceive, but even with Physician Zhengâs expertise, he could not guarantee success. Even if there were ways to protect the fetus, it would likely cause great harm to Gou Liang himself.
Moreover, Gers are most likely to conceive during their surges of desire, especially those with vibrant flower marks. After last nightâs passion, Gou Liang might already be carrying the dragonâs seedâŚ
Thinking of this, the Emperorâs face turned ashen.
He was not touched by Gou Liangâs sacrifice and secrecy. Instead, he hated the very possibility that could endanger Gou Liangâs health or even his life.
The Emperor ordered, âQuickly fetch the medicine, and make sure it does not harm his body.â
Physician Zheng understood the implicit order but felt the need to clarify, âYour Majesty, all medicines have some degree of toxicity. This medicine is not harmful if used once or twice, but frequent use would still be unwiseâŚâ
His intention was to remind the Emperor not to grant the dragon heir during intercourse. However, the Emperor had a different plan, âI know the Imperial Medical Bureau has secret medicines. Go fetch them for me now.â
Physician Zheng was confused, but the Emperorâs cold expression soon made him realize.
âThe Emperor intended to use infertility medicine!
He exclaimed in shock, âThis must not be done! Your Majestyââ
Caught in the Emperorâs cold gaze, Physician Zhengâs voice faltered. Fearfully, he said, âYour Majesty, please reconsider! Once taken, that medicine cannot be undone. The nation cannot be without an heir. Your Majesty is in your prime, how can youâŚâ
The Emperor was indifferent, âWithout him, I would not touch anyone else. What use is such a thing if it is not borne by him for me?â
He never had much thought for heirs, only imagining Gou Liang bearing his child stirred a bit of desire.
But if it would harm Gou Liang, there was no dilemma for him.
âBut Your MajestyâŚâ
âNo more words.â The Emperor interrupted, standing up, âThis matter must not be known to a third person. Before he wakes, you will deliver the medicine.â
With Gou Liangâs medical skills, if he were awake, it would be hard to hide giving him contraceptive soup or taking the medicine himself.
Of course, the Emperor didnât know that even if Gou Liang wasnât awake, he would still find out afterward.
Listening to the Emperorâs resolute decision through the systemâs monitoring, Gou Liangâs heart was filled with mixed emotions.
Meng Hao originally wanted a little beast cub, or rather, he wanted to connect them more closely through this means.
Gou Liang had softened towards him, though not fully accepting the idea, and if he hadnât unexpectedly completed the mission at that moment, he probably would have just bitten the bullet and borne the child.
Coming to this world, he hadnât considered the issue either. But his physical condition was indeed as Physician Zheng said, with difficult pregnancy and potential for both maternal and fetal deathânot a problem for Gou Liang, of courseâbut he still maintained a passive approach, not taking active steps to improve his host bodyâs condition.
To his surprise, the Emperor had already made a decision for him.
Honestly, though he felt some reluctance, Gou Liang privately felt more relieved than anything.
Moreover, considering the Emperorâs jealousy towards anyone like Fatty Tang who might distract him, having a little Baozi would only make things worse.
And even if the Emperor doted on the child out of love for him, Gou Liang could not stand itâtruthfully, his jealousy could easily surpass that of the Emperor!
Now that this thorny life dilemma was resolved, Gou Liang snuggled back into the covers, only to hear a low chuckle approaching, âNo more pretending to sleep?â
From the moment Gou Liangâs breathing changed, the Emperor knew he was awake. Understanding his tendency to laze in bed and his âshyness,â the Emperor allowed it.
Gou Liang, blushing, sat up, his eyes darting as he avoided looking directly at the Emperor. The Emperorâs smile deepened as he pulled Gou Liang into his arms, kissed his forehead, and softly asked, âDo you want to sleep a bit more?â
Gou Liang showed his left cheekâs sweet dimple and, holding his stomach, said, âIâm hungry.â
The Emperor promptly ordered breakfast to be served and clumsily helped him get dressed, not allowing Gou Liang to lift a finger.
Gou Liang tugged at the collar and sleeves of the deep yellow robe embroidered with five-clawed nine dragons, symbols of imperial authority, feeling a bit uneasy, âYour Majesty, this is against protocol.â
The Emperor picked him up and patted his plump bottom, dressing him in undergarments like a giant baby, clearly enjoying himself. As for Gou Liangâs worry, the Emperor dismissed it, âYou are my consort, equal ruler of this land, why shouldnât you wear it?â
Gou Liangâs face turned red, and after stammering for a while, he ultimately did not refuse.
However, to avoid any attack on Gou Liang, the Emperor relented, having him wear his regular fifth-grade Hanlin scholarâs blue robe on the outside.
Since that time in the library⌠ahem, discovering how easily that official robe tore, the Emperor had several sets of Gou Liangâs robes made and kept in Zhengyang Palace for emergencies. Once dressed, and hearing Eunuch Tong announce that breakfast was ready, Gou Liang, his face stern and freshly pampered, refused the Emperorâs offer to carry him due to his exertions the previous night. He straightened his clothes and walked out with dignity.
âThough his legs moved awkwardly, as if trying to keep something between them.
Gou Liangâs face was stern, but his ears were red.
The Emperor took his hand, slowed his pace, and whispered, âYou donât need to be so formal in Zhengyang Palace.â
Though he couldnât guarantee absolute safety elsewhere, the Emperorâs palace was secure to the last detail. Otherwise, the palace attendants wouldnât have kept silent despite the lights burning all night, water being brought in four times, and the Emperorâs relentless exertions until dawn.
Despite his words, seeing Gou Liang maintaining his dignified appearance before others, even though the Emperor loved it, he didnât want him to suffer unnecessarily.
Dismissing all the attendants, including Eunuch Tong, the Emperor finally held Gou Liang in his lap and watched him eat heartily, feeling completely content.
After that, the heavily favored Hanlin scholar Gou Liang spent four consecutive nights writing âmemorialsâ at the Emperorâs command in the âHanlin Academy.â
When his period of surging desire ended, Gou Liang, pants up, heartlessly rejected the Emperorâs pleas and left the palace.
He had to leaveâthe Emperor, despite his duties during the day and their nightly exertions, barely slept for an hour. Gou Liang understood the wildness of a hungry tiger just unleashed, but the Emperor, as the ruler, had many duties. Although he seemed vigorous in bed, it was unhealthy. Moreover, with Physician Zheng diligently checking his pulse every other day, Gou Liang couldnât sneak him any system supplements and had to retreat as the best option.
Because he âworked tirelesslyâ day and night, the Emperor pitied him and granted him a day off.
Lady Chu was also worried.
Despite the imperial command, the recent days had been special, and he feared Gou Liang would exhaust himself. Seeing him return, he had the kitchen prepare a tonic, and when he deemed he had rested enough, he personally brought it to him.
Gou Liang frowned at the sight of the black tonic.
Lady Chu laughed, seeing his reaction, and fondly teased, âYouâve always made that face when taking medicine.â
Gou Liang thought of how the imperial kitchen in the palace had been instructed to prepare tonics for him thrice daily, almost using dragon liver and phoenix gall. If it werenât for the systemâs adjustments to his endocrine balance, he might be suffering nosebleeds by now.
Forcing himself to drink the medicine, Lady Chu, satisfied, started chatting.
He mentioned that the Emperor had approved General Chuâs request, and Chu Qian would return to the capital in October, which made her anxious.
After expressing his worry and anger over Gou Liangâs future, comparing him to a pitiful cabbage, he brought up another matter.
Since yesterday, the vassal kings had begun returning to the capital, making it the busiest time for the patrol battalion responsible for the cityâs security.
Although the late Emperor pursued immortality and longevity through various means, he was also a hedonist with twelve children. Following ancestral customs, the new Emperor assigned them to their respective fiefs upon his ascension. Apart from Liang Gang, who was stripped of his title, the remaining ten princes had a rather indifferent relationship with the Emperor and were not the most obedient of characters.
Lady Chu wasnât concerned about the royal intrigues among the returning vassal princes. Instead, he lamented about General Chu, who hadnât been home for two days, worried that his aging self couldnât compete with the young temptresses outside, feeling his career was at great risk.
It wasnât until a servant reported that two young masters had come to visit that he reluctantly left, his face showing his annoyance.
That night, despite not following the physicianâs orders, the Emperor set a new record for travel time between the imperial palace and the Generalâs residence.
However, tonight he was well-behaved. When Gou Liang refused him once, he reluctantly stopped. He now lay with his head in Gou Liangâs lap, enjoying a head massage, falling asleep after just a few words.
He must be exhausted.
Amused, Gou Liang pinched his nose and kissed him tenderly.
To return to the palace and change into his dragon robe for the morning court, the Emperor woke early. But last night, the groggy Gou Liang, who had complained about the Emperorâs exertions, clung to him, refusing to let him leave.
Laughing, the Emperor wrapped him in a blanket and stealthily took his cherished one back to the palace.
When Gou Liang finally crawled out of the Emperorâs bed, it was already mid-morning. Alarmed, he hurried to the Hanlin Academy.
Only then did he learn that the Emperor had granted him another day off, and the diligent Hanlin scholar received praise for his dedication. His old superior even teased him, âZigui, what have you been diligently writing these days?â
Gou Liang: If I said it was a fire prevention plan, would you believe me? (ç˝â˝ç˝)
With a serious face, he replied, âThis book was commissioned by the Emperor, and I dare not speak of it lightly.â
The book-loving old Hanlin stroked his beard and said, âNo matter, I will shamelessly ask the Emperor for a reward in due time. You must hurry, though. I have one foot in the grave; donât let me miss it.â
Gou Liang: â⌠You overpraise me. I will do my best.â
Later, the Emperor carried him back to the dragon bed, saying, âI heard you requested to diligently write with me. I grant your request!â
Gou Liang: âNo⌠Your Majesty, itâs still daylightâŚâ
Emperor: âNo worries, the day will eventually turn into night.â
Thus,
[Ding, task progress advanced. Current task progress: +40%!]
[Xiao Si: Living through days and nights filled with absurdity and chaos, thatâs the life of collecting fragments. (ââ _â ) ]